The Great Game of Cricket
Cricket is one of the most popular outdoor games. There is perhaps no other game that has such a great fan following. Millions of people watch it on their televisions all over the world. The young, elders and old show similar interest in this game.
Cricket is not a native game of India as it was introduced by the British during their rule in India. Today, it has deep roots in our country. Besides India, many countries play cricket. Some of the important cricket playing nations are India, England, Australia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Zimbabwe, New Zealand, West Indies and Bangladesh. Afghanistan, Scotland, Ireland and the United Arab Emirates have also joined the group of cricketing countries.
Initially the test matches were played for five days with a rest-day. Later rest-day was withdrawn from the game. Eleven players represent each side. A test match is divided into first and second innings. The team that scores the maximum number of runs in their both innings is declared as winner. Today, one-day cricket matches and t-twenty matches have left their deep impression on the spectators
The teams are expected to show their strong character and discipline on the field. In normal conditions each team is given fifty overs and the players are given the opportunity to display their batting and balling skills. Cricket matches are played during the day as well as at night. Although one-day matches are more exciting than test matches, in modern times, t-twenty matches have created great craze among the viewers. They are fast result-oriented matches. The live spectators and the audience watching at home look forward to nail-biting finishes.
India has produced some of the greatest cricketing names like Lala Amarnath, Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Krishnamachari Srikanth, Mohammad Azharuddin, Sourav Ganguly, Anil Kumble, Sachin Tendulkar, M.S. Dhoni and many more. They are some of the brightest stars who brought several glories to India in international cricket.
In India, besides test and one-day matches at the national level, we have cricket matches at different domestic levels. Interstate and zonal matches are played. Duleep Trophy and Ranji Trophy are some of the important domestic trophies in India.
Cricket World Cup is the biggest award that a team can dream to win. The event takes place after every four years. In 2015, it took place in different cities of Australia and New Zealand. World Cup is awarded to the best cricket team in the world. Australia has the merit of winning it thrice successively. However, India and West Indies each have won it twice.
